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Creech to Gain Independence from Nellis After More than Five Decades

CMSgt. Frank Batten, the command chief of Air Combat Command, takes a photo with airmen assigned to Creech AFB, Nevada, on Jan. 10. Air Force photo by SrA. Christian Clausen.

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​Air Combat Command boss Gen. Mike Holmes visited Creech AFB, Nev., last week as the base is working to become its own installation independent of nearby Nellis AFB, Nev.

The move to give Creech base operating authority is the latest in a series of changes the Air Force is making to its remotely piloted aircraft community and is intended to make it a “more sustainable lifestyle for airmen and their families,” Holmes said during the Jan. 10 visit, which he made alongside CMSgt. Frank Batten, the command chief of ACC, according to a release.

Creech’s 432d Wing will take over installation command of the base, which has been operating under Nellis since 1964, according to a history of the base.

The base is in the process of building up its infrastructure to include recreation facilities.

Creech airmen now predominantly fly the MQ-9 Reaper after transitioning away from the now retired MQ-1 Predator.Holmes said the MQ-9 aircrew is advancing and trying new tactics, to include more operations as two-ships during combat missions.

“There are a lot of exciting things, and we’re going to learn how to maximize the capability of the airplane by trying new tactics,” Holmes said.